Device Clinic

Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD), Permanent Pacemaker, as well as Implantable Loop Recorder monitoring is performed regularly in our office as well as remotely from home. Call our office at 410-761-8007 for further information.

This exam is used to assess the electrical impulses of your heart. This evaluation is for irregular heartbeats. Average exam time is 30 minutes. This exam is done only on a treadmill.For the test:

1. You will be asked to disrobe from the waist up and given a gown to wear. The technologist will then hook up an EKG monitor to you for the entire exam, and two resting EKGs will be obtained immediately. 2. You will then be asked to exercise on a treadmill. The average time is 6 to 10 minutes. 3. When peak exercise is reached, you will stop exercising, and we will continue with the evaluation for five minutes. This exam is used to assess the electrical impulses of your heart. This evaluation is for irregular heartbeats. Average exam time is 30 minutes. This exam is done only on a treadmill. This test has three parts: You will be asked to disrobe from the waist up and given a gown to wear. The technologist will then hook up an EKG monitor to you for the entire exam, and two resting EKGs will be obtained immediately. You will then be asked to exercise on a treadmill. The average time is 6 to 10 minutes. When peak exercise is reached, you will stop exercising, and we will continue with the evaluation for five minutes.

Tennis shoes or comfortable walking shoes are a must. We suggest that you bring or wear comfortable clothes for exercising.

Exercise testing results are best done when you have not eaten one hour before the exam.

Medicines can be taken as usual.

This exam is to assess the circulation and muscle motion of the heart. Ultrasound images of the heart will show the movement of the blood in each heart chamber and as it passes the heart valves. The heart chambers and heart walls are measured for size. The motion of the heart is documented for heart function. The exam time is approximately 30 minutes. There is no prep for this exam.For the test:

1.You will be asked to disrobe from the waist up and given a gown to wear. The technologist will then hook up an EKG monitor to you for the entire exam. 2. You will then have an ultrasound of your heart (echocardiogram) to assess the heart muscle, heart valves and heart function. You may eat and take any medicines before the exam.

This exam compares resting and exercise ultrasound images of your heart (circulation) with simultaneous EKG recordings (electrical). This comparison can show if you have coronary artery disease. Average exam time is one hour. This exam will be essentially the same for the treadmill or the supine (lying on your back) bicycle.For the test:

1.You will be asked to disrobe from the waist up and given a gown to wear. The technologist will then hook up an EKG monitor to you for the entire exam, and two resting EKGs will be obtained immediately. 2. You will then have an ultrasound of your heart (echocardiogram) to assess the heart muscle, heart valves and heart function. 3. You will then be asked to exercise on a treadmill or supine bicycle for an average time of 6 to 10 minutes. 4. When your peak exercise is reached, you will stop exercising and again have an ultrasound of your heart. Comparisons are then made of both sets of heart images and the EKG to complete the exam.

Please wear or bring tennis shoes or comfortable walking shoes. If you have specific exercise desires (treadmill vs. supine bike), please let our scheduler know, and you will be accommodated. We suggest that you bring or wear comfortable clothes to exercise in. Dresses or culottes are not appropriate attire. Exercise testing results are best done when you have not eaten one hour before the exam. Medicines can be taken as usual.

The pacemaker system performs two functions: pacing and sensing.

Pacing An electrical stimulus comes from the generator and travels down the lead to stimulate the heart muscle, causing the heart to contract. The pacemaker is set for a certain heart rate–for example, 70 beats/minute (bpm).

Sensing The lead not only delivers an electrical stimulus to the heart muscle, but it also senses or “sees” your heart’s own natural activity and does not pace if your heartbeat is faster than the programmed rate of the pacemaker.

If you need a pacemaker, your doctor will explain the causes of your rhythm disturbance and why it is necessary. You will then be asked to sign a consent form.

Your physician will discuss the particular type of pacemaker best suited to your needs